15/09/4098

  *Kazuki gets up when he hears someone calling him.*

  Skye: Hey Kaz, wake up already. We have things to do.

  *Kazuki stares at her for a while, then looks up at the sky and sighs.*

  Kazuki: I see, I guess that's the way it is *getting up.*

  Skye: Good boy, let's go *start walking.*

  Kazuki: Whatever you say *walking behind her.*

  Skye: How are you feeling? I mean, this is all new to you.

  Kazuki: There are new things, most of them are interesting.

  Skye: Do you consider yourself curious?

  Kazuki: Yes.

  Skye: Have you found anything you really like?

  Kazuki: The music and the food.

  Skye: *Standing up* Have you killed anyone since you came back?

  Kazuki: A group of people. They were in some kind of camp and were hostile.

  Skye: Wow, I see you like to justify yourself.

  Kazuki: No, as long as I am aware of my actions I will be guilty. But there comes a point where no matter what I do I'll still be the bad guy.

  Skye: Aren't you?

  Kazuki: Yes, I'm a villain and I do villain things.

  Skye: And well, what do you think about me?

  Kazuki: About Skye? I couldn't tell you.

  Skye: Do you know? You've always looked very arrogant carrying that katana. I'm sure you have a good time terrorizing others.

  Kazuki: Maybe.

  Skye: I see you're still the same as always. Piece of trash.

  Kazuki: Are you going to continue with this circus? We both know what's going on right now.

  *Skye smiles before fading away. The sky turns a deep red and the ground turns black. A chair appears on which Kazuki decides to sit. Murmurs and people humming begin to be heard, making Kazuki decide to lower his head. The ghost of his supposed first love, Rosalie, gently touches his chin and lifts it up, forcing him to see everything.*

  Rosalie: Don't worry, we've prepared the usual show for you today. Monster.

  Kazuki: You always do the same one. You could change it for once.

  *A pile of corpses, victims of Kazuki, start dancing around him. Women, children, soldiers... There are mutilated, disfigured, decapitated corpses... Variety is an endless list of different characteristics. Everyone laughs and whispers at Kazuki.*

  Children: Scum.

  Kazuki: I know, you guys said that last time.

  *They hum over and over the melody that Kazuki's kingdom used to play as a war hymn. The dancing is slow and steady, each victim highlighting the way they died in a theatrical dance. Suddenly they stop and memories of the death of each of the corpses begin to be projected into the sky.*

  Rosalie: Take a good look, you don't want to forget such a beautiful event, do you?

  *Kazuki watches the memories passing by, one after the other, the sound of each scene over-saturates his ears. His mind relives every memory over and over, reminding him of every sensation.*

  Rosalie: You've always been so cruel, a real mistake. Everything would have been easier if you had never existed.

  *The corpses start having a contest to see who had the cruelest death. Everyone begins to tell their story, how they felt and the pain they felt every second before their death.*

  Kazuki: I can hear you *running a hand through his hair.*

  Rosalie: Are you going to cry? I remember the last time I saw you cry, I'm glad you suffered so much, so you can feel closer to us.

  *Kazuki stares at the sky, he ducks his head when Rosalie pours a bucket full of blood on him.*

  Soldiers: Do you know? We are not worried that you are still alive, so we can make you remember every second of your miserable existence all the crimes you have committed. Besides, someday you'll get what you deserve.

  *Finally, Kazuki wakes up.*

  Kazuki: This sucks *getting up and going over to the lake to wash his face.*

  *On the other hand Skye gets up and gets ready, still thinking about Kazuki's unexpected gift.*

  Skye: Why would he have done that?

  Luna: Daughter, have a quick breakfast before it gets cold.

  Skye: Oh! It's true *starting to eat.*

  Luna: Are you worried about something, cielo?

  Skye: No, it's just the institute and... Hey Mom, do you trust that I can do it? Do you think I can become a heroine?

  Luna: Skye I... I know you won't give up.

  Skye: Oh... Thanks Mom.

  *Skye notices a small twinge in her chest at her mother's words, but decides to put on a good face.*

  Luna: I love you very much daughter, I want you to know that no matter what happens I will be there to support you.

  Skye: I know Mom, thank you. I should get going, I'm getting late.

  *Skye leaves her house and starts walking towards the institute. She gets lost in the city views as soon as she notices the familiar voice calling her.*

  Liana: Pssst, Skye.

  *Skye turns around and sees Liana hiding behind a lamppost. Or well, trying to.*

  Liana: Skye, come here, I have to tell you something VERY important.

  Skye: Are you okay? You seem nervous.

  Liana: Nervous? No! I'm perfect, can't you tell? *Talking fast.*

  Skye: You didn’t do your hair.

  Liana: Really? I must have forgotten, I left home in a hurry today... It's true! Have I told you already?

  Skye: What?

  Liana: Well, you see, do you remember that yesterday I went with the others to that bakery? Which, by the way, was very good. I love candy, have I told you that I love candy? They had a lot of variety, the chocolate one was fantastic.

  Skye: Liana, are you trying to tell me something?

  Liana: It's true! I'm getting sidetracked. Well, everything was very tasty yesterday and Zephyr was very kind and let me taste his piece of cake and... Did I tell you that the strawberry one is also very tasty? It's delicious! You should try it.

  Skye: You're getting off track again.

  Liana: Right, right. The fact is that... I kissed Zephyr yesterday.

  Skye: And?

  Liana: What do you mean by and? I need advice.

  Skye: Aren't you a couple?

  Liana: What!? No way! Well, I did plan to marry him in the future, adopt some puppies, travel the world, have the occasional child...

  Skye: I don't understand you, do you want to marry him but you've never kissed?

  Liana: Exactly!

  Skye: I'm even more confused than you.

  Liana: I know, it’s... Confusing.

  Kiki: Am I missing something?

  Skye: Kiki! No, we were just talking about...... The classes.

  Kiki: I've heard everything, besides I was present.

  Skye: It makes sense.

  Kiki: Do you know that Zephyr stroked her hair after the kiss?

  Liana: Don't remind me! *Her cheeks turning pink.*

  Skye: Have you talked about it with Zephyr?

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Liana: No, that's why I left home early.

  Kiki: Are you guys living together?

  Liana: For about 10 years or so.

  Skye: Are you sure you're not a couple?

  Liana: Hey!

  Skye: Liana, do you like Zephyr?

  Liana: Me... Yes, I like him.

  Kiki: Wouldn't it be easier to tell her?

  Liana: It's not that easy.

  Kiki: Then we'll tell them ourselves.

  Liana: Would you do that for me?

  Skye: I don't think that's a good idea...

  Liana: Thank you very much! *Hugging both girls.* Come on, I feel safer now.

  *On the other hand Zephyr and Stuart are waiting at the entrance of the institute. They are both silent and looking at a different side.*

  Stuart: Liana kissed you yesterday

  Zephyr: Yes.

  *Silence.*

  Stuart: Did you like it?

  Zephyr: I think I did.

  Stuart: Mmm.

  *The three girls arrive, Kiki leading the way and Liana hiding behind Skye. They stop for a few seconds to discuss something, Kiki nods at Liana and then they resume their walk.*

  Kiki: Hey Zephyr, we've come to tell you something.

  Zephyr: Hello.

  Stuart: Good morning.

  Kiki: Hey! Show more interest.

  Skye: I don't think so...

  Liana: Hey Kiki, just say it already. I feel like I'm going to faint.

  Kiki: Okay okay *takes a breath and stares at Zephyr.* I like you.

  *Everything goes silent. Skye puts a hand to her face, a gesture that Stuart mimics. Liana is shocked and then starts tapping Kiki on the back.*

  Liana: Hey! What do you think you're doing!?

  Kiki: Ouch! *Covering up* What did I say wrong?

  Skye: You said it wrong.

  Kiki: Oops! It's true! Zephyr, Liana told me to tell you that she likes you.

  Liana: But don't say it like that you idiot!

  Kiki: Did I say it wrong again?

  *Liana covers her face with shame, when she looks up she sees Zephyr approaching her.*

  Liana: Zephyr me... It's not what it seems, you know, Kiki is very funny and...

  *Zephyr gently strokes her cheek and kisses her. When they separate Liana is with a completely pink face. She hugs Zephyr to hide her embarrassment.*

  Skye: I'll never understand these two.

  Kiki: So did I say it right then?

  Stuart: No, you idiot.

  Kiki: You're an idiot.

  Stuart: No.

  Kiki: Yes.

  *Skye smiles at the connection her friends have, although she wonders what it would be like to be in their place. The group enters classes and during the rest of the day Liana does not let go of Zephyr for a single second.*

  Kiki: Aren't they adorable?

  Stuart: Maybe too much.

  Skye: They look happy, although it looks like Liana is going to keep it up for a couple of days.

  Kiki: Liana! Skye asks how it feels to kiss someone.

  Skye: I didn't say that!

  Liana: It's a relaxing feeling. I don't know how to express it, it's like walking through a field of flowers on a spring day. The right temperature, the wind soft and cool... It's just perfect.

  Kiki: Skye thanks you for that.

  Skye: I haven't asked anything!

  Kiki: By the way Skye... Have you ever kissed someone?

  Skye: Well... No, I've never had anyone so close. And you?

  Liana: Wasn't the one yesterday your boyfriend?

  Skye: I told you no!

  Kiki: Wow Skye, I see you're not wasting your time *elbowing her in the side.*

  Skye: It's not that! Also, you haven't answered my question.

  Kiki: Me neither, I'm waiting for the moment. It has to be after a good battle from which she emerges victorious.

  Skye: Isn't Stuart your boyfriend?

  Stuart: No.

  Kiki: This little guy? No, not yet.

  Skye: Still?

  Stuart: Don't pay attention to her, she's stupid.

  Kiki: It just bothers him a lot when I say it, that's why I always try to say it at least once a day. By the way Skye, are you ready?

  Skye: Ready for what?

  Kiki: Don't you know that? Next Friday they are going to organize a tournament so we will not have classes.

  Skye: When did they say that?

  Liana: I told you about it on Monday at recess but you seemed absent.

  Skye: On Monday... Ah, it's true. Is it mandatory?

  Kiki: Yes, and it counts toward your grade. In addition, those who are higher on the podium will get more points.

  Skye: Points?

  Stuart: The top 20 students will be able to do their practices with a hero.

  Skye: Really?

  Kiki: Yeah, didn't you know that?

  Skye: Eh... Yeah, it was just that... I didn't remember.

  Zephyr: You are a terrible liar.

  Skye: Lying? I'm not lying, it’s just… a misunderstanding.

  Kiki: Well, if you say so.

  Skye: Hey... Do you think I can do it? Do you think I can become a heroine?

  *The group looks at each other before Skye's question.*

  Kiki: Okay... Considering that your element is the wind...

  Liana: We know you won't give up *giving her a weak smile.*

  Skye: Oh... Of course, I will train a lot... *Feeling another twinge in the chest.*

  *Skye spends the rest of the day thinking about how she's going to get better in such a short time. At the end of the classes she decides that she will spend the whole week in the training room in order to get in a good position in the classification. However, as she turns the corner to head to the training room, she crosses paths with Kazuki.*

  Kazuki: I already thought I wouldn't see you. I'm really bored today, you know what it's like.

  *Skye gets scared but then moves to a more defensive posture. He's about to refuse but he remembers something.*

  Skye: It's true, I wanted to talk to you. What was it about yesterday?

  Kazuki: Don't start over.

  Skye: Stop evading the question. Answer it.

  Kazuki: Wow, you're feeling feisty today, aren't you?

  Skye: Your teasing is not enough, I want a good answer.

  Kazuki: How boring, what do you want an answer for?

  Skye: I don't know, it's weird you know? The little I've heard about you has been bad things and now I see you and I don't know what to think.

  Kazuki: Do you think I'm good? Do you remember when I massacred the people of that place?

  Skye: *Swallows saliva when remembering that moment because, even if she doesn't think much about that scene, she can perfectly remember the smell of blood and mutilated corpses.* That's not what I mean, I'm saying you're not one color.

  Kazuki: What?

  Skye: I mean you're bad, really bad. One of the worst people I've ever met in my life. But there's something about your actions that tells me you're not completely bad and you're not completely good. Which is weird because I don't think you're good, but I don't think you're that bad either.

  Kazuki: I think you're crazy.

  Skye: Maybe, that would make more sense. But yesterday when you handed me the bag I noticed that you avoided looking me in the eye, you seemed uncomfortable.

  Kazuki: Do you have a problem with that?

  Skye: Yes, that I don't understand you and I don't understand myself. It doesn't matter, we're not going to get to anything because even I don't know what I want to get to.

  Kazuki: Well, now what do we do?

  Skye: I have a lot of things to do.

  Kazuki: What?

  Skye: I have to train because I just found out that in one week we have a tournament that could define my future and... Why am I telling you this?

  Kazuki: Are you going to spend the whole afternoon training?

  Skye: Yes, because I need this opportunity.

  Kazuki: I've already noticed, but I remind you that we have a deal.

  Skye: I really can't, this is important to me. Please.

  Kazuki: What do you want to train anyway?

  Skye: Well, everything.

  Kazuki: Do you at least know how to fight?

  Skye: Of course I know how to fight.

  Kazuki: Hit me.

  Skye: What?

  Kazuki: That you hit me. If you don't give me then we'll do whatever I want.

  Skye: Why do you have to be like that?

  *Skye is getting ready to punch Kazuki. She hesitates for a moment but then she goes for it. Kazuki dodges and trips her, making her fall.*

  Kazuki: Looks like we'll do whatever I want.

  Skye: I hate you *rubbing her knees.* What are you planning?

  Kazuki: Hold on *taking Skye by the arm.*

  Skye: What are you going to......?

  *Suddenly Skye starts to see a lot of images passing through her eyes which forces her to hold on tight to Kazuki. She closes her eyes tightly as she feels her body appear and disappear over and over again. Skye begins to understand the huge difference in power between them when she sees the speed at which Kazuki usually travels.*

  Kazuki: Hey, you can let go now.

  *Skye opens her eyes and realizes that she is hugging Kazuki. He quickly separates and moves away a little. When you look around you notice that they are in a kind of clearing.*

  Skye: Where are we?

  Kazuki: I've heard they call it the Lake of Souls. I usually sleep here.

  Skye: Do you sleep here? And why did you bring me?

  Kazuki: Because my boredom clashes with your lack of time, so I'm going to fix that. I'm going to give you basic lessons.

  Skye: Are you kidding me?

  Kazuki: Do I look like I want to waste my time? Get into an attacking position, I'm going to check your posture.

  Skye: Really?

  Kazuki: Yes.

  *Skye snorts and gets into position, knowing she has no choice. Kazuki examines her in great detail, making her nervous. Kazuki nods and gives a low kick, knocking Skye to the ground.*

  Skye: What the hell are you doing!?

  Kazuki: Rule number one, attack stance doesn't mean you forget about your defense. Your upper body position is very good, but the lower part lacks strength. I'm sure if I put you in a leglock you couldn't have reacted in time.

  Skye: Okay, I get it, don't forget one part for the sake of improving another.

  Kazuki: Exactly.

  Skye: What's next?

  Kazuki: You attack poorly, you've put all your strength into the arms before but the posture is very important. You have to move the whole body, not just your arms. Besides, your feet get tangled. If I dodge your blow you would have no choice to go backwards or forwards because your feet have become entangled.

  Skye: I understand, more fluid movement without losing strength.

  Kazuki: You're a fast learner, do you train often?

  Skye: Yes.

  Kazuki: It shows. You're adapting well.

  Skye: Thank you, I've never been... flattered before.

  *They both stay silent, not knowing what else to say. Skye turns a little red with embarrassment since it has come naturally to her to thank him.*

  Kazuki: You're welcome? I've never been thanked before. But well, now I want you to hit me with all your might, I need to check one thing.

  Skye: Are you sure?

  Kazuki: Don't hold back.

  *Skye nods and takes a position. She takes a breath and concentrates all her strength on her right arm. She attacks Kazuki and the force of the blow creates a small shockwave, causing the ground to crack. Skye notices that Kazuki stops her punch, without much effort.*

  Kazuki: I see, interesting. Can you untie your hair?

  Skye: How have you...? *Despite being surprised, she decides to take heed and untie her hair, with some shame and fear, since people usually don't like her.*

  Kazuki: What is your ánima flow like?

  Skye: My flow? Well, it's always taken me a little bit to manage it but I've trained a lot.

  Kazuki: Then I think it's time to give you a shortcut.

  Skye: Shortcut?

  Kazuki: I could tell by your appearance and strength some similarities with someone from the past. Besides, you also claim to have problems with your flow so I guess you really are his descendant.

  Skye: I don't think I'm finding out anything.

  Kazuki: Better, you don't need to know the whole story.

  Skye: I still don't understand, did you meet my ancestors?

  Kazuki: Yes, let me tell you a secret. Some people are born with certain... Deformities. Let me explain, in your case you were born with a superhuman strength but in return you have a restriction when using your Soul due to the unevenness that the physical and the soul have. That is, it will only be fixed when both levels are equal.

  Skye: Is that possible?

  Kazuki: Yes, but obviously it takes a lot of effort, too much. In your case you will have already noticed that it is almost impossible, since you advance very slowly and since you train the physical part and the part of the Soul it seems impossible to reach an intermediate point *sitting on a rock.*

  Skye: I see... Then my dream is further away than I thought.

  Kazuki: Yes, because even if you are born with an advantage, anyone can match your strength.

  Skye: So I was just born wrong *sitting next to Kazuki and feeling sad.*

  Kazuki: Do you want to know a secret?

  Skye: A secret?

  Kazuki: I was born wrong too. The opposite happened to me in your case, I was born with a weak body and a lot of spirit. Do you see the color of my hair and my eyes? They weren't yellow before, but every time I tried to use my element my body collapsed and I wasn't able to handle the amount of Anima. But look at me, do I look weak to you? Everyone can try to match you, but only you can surpass yourself.

  Skye: Do you think I can do it?

  Kazuki: Well, you're progressing well and besides you haven't complained much. But you should know that you are going to have to train a lot.

  Skye: The requirements to become a hero are very demanding, you have to be very strong and well prepared. In addition, you have to study a lot and get good grades in general. Still *with a broken voice.* Do you think I can become a heroine?

  Kazuki: Mmm, I see *pauses for a few seconds thinking before answering.* To be strong you have to work hard, it's not easy at all. But few have determination and desire to keep learning, which is remarkable about you. Yes, I think you can become a hero.

  *When Kazuki turns to see Skye he gets into a defense position almost instantly when she lunges at him. However, instead of attacking him, Skye hugs him and cries on his shoulder. Kazuki is left confused and somewhat upset.*

  Kazuki: What are you...?

  Skye: Thank you, thank you so much for trusting me *between sobs.* Just a moment, please.

  *Kazuki stands still not knowing what to do since he has never been hugged. He awkwardly returns the hug, or at least tries to. Skye stays like this for a while, but when she pulls away she feels much better and more determined than ever.*

  Skye: Okay, I'm ready.

  Kazuki: That's the spirit, get ready because I'm going to push you to the limit.

  Skye: I didn't expect anything less.

  *Kazuki trains Skye for hours, correcting her every move. Kazuki watches as Skye gets up again and again so she can keep training. When they finish, they go to dinner to replenish their energy and finally Kazuki accompanies her home.*

  Kazuki: You are making progress, although I must admit that I am surprised by your determination.

  Skye: I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm not giving up. Thanks for teaching me.

  Kazuki: Don't thank me, think that if I help you train you will have more free time and you will teach me more things.

  Skye: That sounds like you *with a giggle.*

  *They arrive at Skye's house and say goodbye.*

  Skye: Thank you very much, really *giving him one last hug to which Kazuki doesn't respond.* See you tomorrow *coming into the house.*

  *Once Skye enters her house she goes to her room. Inside she is jumping with happiness for everything she has learned and because for the first time she feels capable. During dinner she talks animatedly with her mother, who is very happy to see her daughter so happy. On the other hand Kazuki arrives at his usual place and lies down on the floor to try to sleep. As he does so he hears voices.*

  Rosalie: Wow! Are you trying to sleep 2 days in a row? Something really good must have happened to you.

  *Kazuki ignores the voices, as he is already on the verge of sleeping.*

  Children: Come on Kazuki, play with us.

  Soldiers: Do it for us, we've been good.

  Rosalie: Come on Kazuki! Only 5 minutes.

  Kids: Come on Kazuki! Cheer up.

  Soldiers: Come on Kazuki! We know you want to.

  ???: Come on Kazuki! You're already close.

  *Kazuki wakes up instantly and draws his katana, cutting everything in his path. He starts looking around, catching his breath. The darkness of the night barely lets him see anything, so Kazuki throws several rays to illuminate, but sees nothing.*

  Kazuki: What was that? *While looking everywhere again.*

  *After a while he sheaths his katana and washes his face before starting to walk towards Lightown, to kill time and make sure he doesn't fall asleep. On his way he is alert, even to the sound of his own footsteps. For what has happened once must not happen again.*